ABSTRACT
AIM: An interdisciplinary approach plays an important role in orthopaedic rheumatology. The aim of this study was to test the quality of an interdisciplinary consultation, which analyzed a pool of orthopaedic patients in terms of rheumatological disease. METHOD: Orthopaedic patients (n=100) were transferred to a multidisciplinary team of experts in a two-stage selection process. Patient data were examined with regard to diagnosis and therapy. A patient interview analyzed the course of disease and effects of the consultation. Patients were questioned on the development of pain, diagnostics and therapy as well as their general satisfaction. RESULTS: Rheumatological disease was diagnosed in 42% of patients, while specific anti-rheumatic therapy was started in 41%. An improvement in symptoms as a result of treatment was seen in 63% of cases. Patient examinations revealed an above-average level of satisfaction in 63% of patients. CONCLUSION: Interdisciplinary consultation led to improved and faster diagnosis and therapy of rheumatological diseases, which was positively evaluated by the pool of patients treated.